U-20 Women’s World Cup Quarter Finalists Known

byPhilip MboyaonJuly 22, 2010

The FIFA U-20 women’s World Cup quarter finalists are now known. The 8 teams that will battle it out for for a place in the semi finals are: hosts Germany, Colombia, Sweden, Korea DPR, Mexico, Nigeria, USA and People’s Republic Korea.

Going into the last match day for the group fixtures, a lot of focus was on Group C and Group D where all teams stood a good chance of qualifying. In Group C, however, it was a all about who would top the group as both Mexico and Nigeria were virtually guaranteed a quarters slot after both teams won and drew their opening two games.

So it was a match that did not fail to excite as both these teams faced each other in their final Group C fixture. The match ended in a draw but Mexico finished top because of their better head to head record.

Nigeria remain the only African representatives in the tournament as Ghana crashed out despite beating Switzerland 2-0. Nigeria have a difficult challenge ahead of them as they prepare to face the USA on Sunday for a place in the Semis.

It was a momentous win for Mexico who made it to the quarters for the first time after falling short in their last three attempts. The Mexicans will now face Korea DPR in the first quarter final of Sunday.

Mexico are not the only side who are making their maiden quarter final appearance in this tournament, Colombia and Sweden are the other two sides to have never made it passed the group stages.

In Saturday’s fixtures, Germany face People’s Republic of Korea in the day’s first match while Sweden and Colombia battle it out in the day’s final match. If you are like me, then you are having a hard time trying to figure out which Korean side is North or South. For clarity purposes, Korea DPR is South and People’s Republic of Korea is North. That should make it easier for you.

Not much is written on Women’s football and i think its only fair that the Women’s event should be given as much publicity if not more so as to to expose these gifted young players.